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Name

Pablo Hernando Anta

Course

MSc Knowledge Management for Innovation, 2007-2008

Current role

Project Management Graduate, Toyota Motor Europe (TME)

What are you doing now? What are your key responsibilities?

I am a member of the Project Management department at Toyota Motor Europe (TME). My team is responsible for planning and supporting new vehicle and unit projects, such as the development of the new Avensis. This includes agreeing the master schedule for new projects, monitoring the status at each stage of the project and coordinating a quick resolution in the event of concerns related to design, supplier preparation, manufacturing trials, etc. Continuous communication and follow-up with most of the divisions within TME, our Head Office in Japan and our European manufacturing plants is required throughout each project. Another main task is managing the implementation of engineering changes by coordinating with the manufacturing plants, suppliers and technical departments.

Did postgraduate study meet your expectations? What skills did you acquire from postgraduate study?

My expectations before the masters were to work in a multinational environment using English, to improve my communication skills, to learn about knowledge management methods and tools, to work with industry and to obtain a masters degree that improved my CV in order to launch my career.

During the course, I worked with people from more than 10 different nationalities, presented projects in front of academia and industry and interviewed people in more than 10 different companies. Our group project with Jaguar which was a finalist in the Engineer Technology & Innovation awards 2008 (presented in the Royal Society in London) and my individual thesis with CEMEX (the second largest building materials manufacturer in the world) was the first step in what became a long term project for the company. Finally, after joining Project Management in the Head Office of Toyota Motor Europe, I think I can affirm that the MSc exceeded my expectations. However, I also need to say that even if the KMI MSc is a great tool to launch your career, your motivation to do the most of it is also essential.

Did your Cranfield degree help you gain employment?

Definitely, I could not have obtained my job without the international experience and contact with industry that my Cranfield MSc provided me.

What do you enjoy about your job?

Mainly three things. Firstly it is a job that allows you to develop your career and learn continuously, as you receive real responsibilities from the beginning. Secondly, you work in a very young team where everybody is respected and considered. Last but not least, you manage information of great relevance to a company as important as Toyota.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

As you can imagine, a car is a very complex commodity with thousands of parts. Hundreds of suppliers and thousands of people participate in its development and manufacturing preparation. Therefore, to take part in the coordination of new vehicle launches throughout all the stages of the project is a very challenging task. Personally speaking, my biggest challenge is to manage to carry out my responsibilities, participate in several meetings and resolve new problems, all during the working hours of a day!.

I would recommend the Knowledge Management for Innovation MSc. It was a unique experience for me, as I met great people and I improved areas of me that I believe are essential for a successful career.